# Is "The Summons" by John Grisham a First Edition?

> **Quick answer.** A first edition of The Summons by John Grisham (Doubleday, 2002) is identified by: Doubleday US first edition (2002). US Doubleday first (February 2002).

**Checklist — a true first has these:**
- Doubleday US first edition
- "First Edition" is stated on the copyright page above Doubleday's standard interlaced number line 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2, with February 2002 dating
- Bound in black boards with a bronze/brown cloth spine stamped in gilt
- The first-issue jacket should be unclipped, retaining the printed front-flap price
- Publisher imprint reads Doubleday
- Not a book-club edition (see below)

| | |
|---|---|
| Author | John Grisham |
| Publisher | Doubleday |
| Year | 2002 |
| True first | US edition |
| Format | Hardcover (trade) |
| Key point | Doubleday US first edition |
| Book-club edition exists? | Yes |

## Points of issue
Doubleday US first edition (2002). "First Edition" is stated on the copyright page above Doubleday's standard interlaced number line 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2, with February 2002 dating. Bound in black boards with a bronze/brown cloth spine stamped in gilt. The first-issue jacket should be unclipped, retaining the printed front-flap price.

## Is this the true first?
US Doubleday first (February 2002).

## Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book club edition lacks the "First Edition" statement and number line, uses thinner boards and lighter stock, and is identified by the blindstamped indent on the lower rear board; its jacket carries no printed price.

## Source
New Mexico Literacy Project — Is *The Summons* by John Grisham a first edition? https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/first-edition/the-summons
CC BY 4.0. Part of the Canonical First-Edition Points of Issue dataset (https://newmexicoliteracyproject.org/api/first-edition-titles.json). Last reviewed 2026-07-03.